News

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – Protests against the
tight grip of Gulf rulers widened Sunday as riot police in Oman battled
pro-democracy demonstrators in a deadly clash that sharply raised
tensions in the region.

Tiny Bahrain is already in turmoil and giant Saudi Arabia is seeking to hold back calls for reforms.

The Gulf protests have shaken the once-comfortable
command of various monarchs and sheiks. An ever deeper and sustained
political revolt would thrust the Arab world's uprising into the heart
of the region's oil riches and Washington's front-line allies against
Iran.

The U.S. has long counted on the Gulf's rulers as reliable partners — particularly their common ground over concerns about Iran's efforts to expand its influence. No ruling system has given way, but cracks are evident.

Protesters are calling for the ouster of the Bahrain
monarchy that hosts the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet. Marchers on Sunday
streamed through the diplomatic zone in Bahrain's capital Manama,
chanting slogans against the king.

Opposition <... >>>